Acts 12:20–13:12: The Unhindered Word of God
Introduction
Over the last few chapters, Luke has quickly broadened the vision of the church away from an exclusive focus on Jerusalem and Judea, toward not only Samaria but even the wider Gentile world. From this point onward, the gospel of Jesus Christ will go out as far as the first missionaries can reach. Although churches in the Jewish and Gentile worlds may be different in some respects, Luke uses this section to show that the same means of expanding the church in Jerusalem and Judea will be the same for expanding the reach of the church through the world: the Word of God. In three short scenes, Luke reminds us that the Word of God advances without hindrance.
Discussion Questions
1. What had Herod done against the church in the previous section (esp. Acts 12:1–4)? How does the need of the people of Tyre and Sidon affect the way that we hear their flattery of Herod (12:20)? In how many ways does Luke stress the royal pride of Herod in this scene (12:21)? What was wrong with what the people said about Herod, or about his response (12:22–23)? Where might pride arise in your own heart about the words that you say?
2. How does the progress of the Word of God compare to the progress of Herod’s “god”-like voice (12:24)? How do the different words for the progress of the Word of God speak to depth and breadth (12:24)? Who was John Mark (12:25)? Who were the “prophets and teachers” (13:1)? What was the role of fasting in the church (13:2–3)? How does the response of the church to God’s Word contrast with Herod’s rejection of God’s Word?
3. Where do Barnabas and Saul go on the first part of their mission (13:4)? Why do they go to the synagogues of the Jews to begin that mission (13:5)? Who was Bar-Jesus/Elymas (13:6, 8)? Why had the proconsul sought to hear from Barnabas and Saul (13:7)? Why did he seek to turn the proconsul away from faith (13:8)? On what authority did Saul rebuke Bar-Jesus (13:9–11)? What was the result for Bar-Jesus (13:11)?
4. Are you listening regularly to God’s Word? Are you taking opportunities to hear God’s Word taught in the church, in smaller Bible studies, and alone in private? As you listen to God’s Word, are you sensitive to respond in faith and obedience? What is so astonishing about the teaching of the Lord (13:12)? Is your heart still captivated by God’s Word? Why or why not? How do you need to relate to God’s Word differently in the coming week?
